48 subdivided-unit landlords convicted for breaching tenancy regulations
Hong Kong's Rating and Valuation Department has secured convictions against 48 landlords of subdivided units for offences including failing to submit tenancy notices, overcharging rent and utilities, and failing to provide rent receipts. The department warned it will continue strict enforcement and
HONG KONG – The Rating and Valuation Department (RVD) announced on 30 October 2026 that 48 landlords of subdivided units have been convicted for violating regulations under the relevant tenancy ordinance.
The offences committed by the 48 landlords included: failing to submit a tenancy notice (Form AR2) to the Commissioner of Rating and Valuation within 60 days after the start of a regulated tenancy; failing to produce copies of utility bills and provide written accounts when asking tenants to pay apportioned water and/or electricity charges; failing to provide rent receipts to tenants; and demanding payments from tenants that are not permitted under the ordinance, including demanding second-term rent exceeding the maximum amount allowed by law.
An RVD spokesperson reiterated that owners of subdivided units must strictly comply with all relevant requirements under the ordinance, including a prohibition on deliberately disturbing the peace or comfort of tenant household members with the intention of forcing them to vacate their subdivided units. The spokesperson also reminded tenants of their rights under the ordinance, including a four-year security of tenure (two years plus two years).
The RVD said it would continue to enforce the law resolutely against any violations. Besides following up on reported cases, the department has been proactively identifying, investigating and following up on cases where owners are suspected of breaching the ordinance. Owners who, without reasonable excuse, refuse to provide required information or ignore the department's requests may be liable to a fine of up to HK$10,000 and three months' imprisonment.
To help curb unlawful behaviour, the public is urged to report suspected violations to the RVD via its hotline (2150 8303), email ([email protected]), fax (2116 4920), post, or in person at the department's Tenancy Services Office. A reporting form (Form AR4) is also available on the RVD website.
Under the ordinance, a regulated tenancy cycle for a subdivided unit consists of two consecutive regulated tenancies – an initial term and a second term, each lasting two years. Tenants under the initial term have the right to be granted the second term, thereby enjoying a total of four years' security of tenure. The RVD is sending letters in batches to owners and tenants of regulated tenancies as the initial terms expire, providing information to help them understand important matters regarding the second term and reminding them of the procedures to follow about two months before the start of the proposed second term.